Dominica Bridge Pension amendment for non-established public officers, Digi Mart USA News (Dominica): The Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) has welcomed the tabling of legislative amendments in Parliament to extend Bridge Pension benefits to non-established public officers, calling the move the result of successful negotiations with the Government of Dominica.
In a media release, the Union said the progression of the bill sends a strong message to its critics regarding its track record of securing long-term benefits for public officers. Because the application of the bridge pension should have already taken effect, the DPSU expects retroactive payments to be issued to affected officers.
Under the new provisions, non-established employees retiring at the mandatory public service retirement age of 60 will receive a government-funded pension for five years until they qualify for full benefits from the Dominica Social Security (DSS) at age 65. Previously, non-established workers were excluded from the bridge pension, forcing them to apply early for a reduced DSS pension. According to the Union, the standard DSS pension, which typically equals about 50 percent of a worker’s salary at retirement, was previously reduced by roughly 30 percent for those forced to collect early.
While welcoming the legislative update, the DPSU emphasized that it will continue pressing the Government to transition all non-established public service positions into permanently established roles.
The Pension Amendment Bill was formally presented in Parliament on Monday, November 9, 2026, by Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre.
Addressing the House, Dr. McIntyre explained that the existing Pension Act only granted a bridge pension up to age 65 for officers who retired after serving on the permanent establishment for more than 10 consecutive years.
While the official government retirement age is 60, public officers may also opt for early retirement after turning 55.
Dr. McIntyre said the new legislation addresses two primary gaps affecting public service retirees.
First, the bill extends the bridge pension to non-established workers retiring on or after July 1, 2025, supporting them financially until they qualify for full Social Security benefits at age 65. Second, for permanently established officers retiring on or after July 1, 2025, the government will pay the difference if their Social Security pension after age 65 is lower than the government bridge pension they previously received.
Dr. McIntyre stated that paying the difference between the two pensions will ensure retirees maintain a consistent level of income, securing vital social safeguards for workers who have contributed to Dominica’s growth and development.
